Table Of Contents

Introduction

Welcome to the Addison on Amelia Island, a romantic Amelia Island bed and breakfast nestled in a historic seaside village in Northern Florida. Three antebellum-style buildings surround a central courtyard containing a three-tier fountain, lush gardens, and winding brick pathways. The verandah, the social center of the inn, overlooks the courtyard. This is where you enjoy a delicious breakfast that is prepared and served by your innkeepers each morning and where you can join us for a glass of wine and appetizers while making new friends at the afternoon Happy Hour.

The Addison on Amelia Island, a seaside Florida bed and breakfast, is conveniently located in the charming Historic District of Fernandina Beach, just a short stroll to shopping, great restaurants, eclectic art galleries, and the marina. Just steps away from the Inn is something for everyone including a day at the spa, eco-tours of the rivers and marshes, shopping, skippered sailing cruises, fine dining and casual lunches, live music in the local bars, the Farmer's Market every Saturday, and so much more.

The comforts of our inn make it feel more like a home away from home than most Fernandina Beach hotels. The Inn itself is comprised of three buildings that surround a central courtyard with lush gardens, brick walk-ways, and a three-tier fountain as the centerpiece. Several rooms have porches overlooking the courtyard that offer a pleasant spot for a glass of wine or early morning cup of fresh coffee. The courtyard verandah is where your Innkeepers host the afternoon Happy Hour. The Addison on Amelia is a Member of the Amelia Island Bed and Breakfast Association.

Breakfast At The Addison

The Addison - Focused on Fresh

The Addison uses the freshest possible ingredients in the meals that we provide to our guests. We present fresh fruit at breakfast, do all of our baking in-house, use herbs from our garden in food preparation, and make our hummus, bruschetta and guacamole just minutes before serving it at our signature Happy Hour. The salsas and sauces that we serve as condiments for breakfast and Happy Hour are made in small batches right here in our kitchen.

We live in Florida where citrus farms are a pride of the State. We squeeze our own fresh orange juice every morning for your breakfast glass. The color of the juice is brilliant and the taste is amazing.

Our breakfast service consists of two or three courses which may include fresh baked muffins, fresh fruit and yogurt served in endless variety, special treats such as torte or buttermilk pie and always a featured entree course of either sweet or savory fare. Are you craving something a little lighter? We also offer granola, oatmeal, or scrambled eggs as an alternate breakfast. Breakfast is served between 8:30 and 10:00 AM in either our dining room or on the courtyard veranda. We can accommodate early breakfasts with advance notice.

We serve certified organic, fair trade coffee, which is freshly ground daily. Coffee is available well before breakfast is served. For those who enjoy coffee throughout the day and evening we have a single portion fresh coffee maker to brew a choice of coffees at any time.

The innkeepers, Shannon and Bob, both love to cook and are always searching for new and interesting dishes to surprise and delight the palate. They are more than happy to accommodate restricted diets, so don't hesitate to let them know your preferences.

Your Innkeepers

Your innkeepers, Bob and Shannon, went on a 5-year search to find their Bed and Breakfast. The search was originally narrowed down to coastal areas including Washington state, Oregon, Maine, Maryland, Virginia and Florida. In 2007 the search was focused on Maine and Florida with several inn inspection trips to both states. In November of 2007 Shannon walked into the gracious front hall of the Addison and realized that she had found the foundation of what was to become their dream bed and breakfast. They purchased the Inn in December 2007 and re-opened for business in January 2008.

Bob and Shannon are both originally from British Columbia, Canada. In 1996 they made the move south into the United States to Virginia where they lived until they moved to Fernandina Beach and bought the Addison.

Both Bob and Shannon have engineering backgrounds. Bob was working as a Telecommunications Engineer in support of overseas oil projects for several years before purchasing the Addison. Shannon also worked in Telecom before switching to a brief career in Real Estate. Successful engineering requires an attention to detail and this attention to detail has been transferred over into the operation of the Addison. It is the little things, the details, that add up to the incredible B&B experience that the Addison offers.

Their enjoyment for running an inn is evidenced by the number of positive guest reviews and awards received by the Addison since the re-opening. Your innkeepers enjoy what they are doing and their enjoyment of the Bed and Breakfast lifestyle rubs off on their guests. As Bob likes to say, “I’ve never smiled so much in my life”.

History of Our Inn

The main building was built in 1876 and was originally a private home for merchant Frank Simmons. The building has undergone several renovations but has kept the original architectural style and details that still make it a remarkable home. The historic building of this Amelia Island inn still has its original heart-of-pine floors, 11 1/2 foot ceilings, and 5 fireplaces (now decorative fireplaces). The main building has had many uses during its history including private home, infirmary during the Yellow Fever epidemic, doctor’s office, rooming house for mill workers, and daycare for their children.

The main dining room, the kitchen, and the innkeeper's quarters are also located in the main house. Your innkeepers live on-site and are available to assist you at any time, whether you forgot to pack your razor, want a late night cup of coffee or just want restaurant recommendations.

The other two houses on the property were built in 1996, and the architect did an outstanding job of integrating the new buildings with the style of the original house. Each of the courtyard guest rooms has hardwood floors and individually controlled air conditioning units, and many of the rooms have a porch overlooking the courtyard. The bathrooms in these two newer buildings offer either an over-sized jetted tub, one-person jetted tub, walk-in shower, or deluxe spa shower. Two of the courtyard rooms have private decks overlooking the historic homes of Ash Street and one of the rooms is ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliant.

Please check out the room descriptions to see which room is right for you.

The three buildings are connected by way of boardwalks and brick pathways that flow through the meticulously landscaped courtyard. Three large oak trees provide afternoon shade for the courtyard while a large crepe myrtle tree frames the courtyard entrance.

Awards

The Addison on Amelia won a 2011 TripAdvisor.com Traveler’s Choice Award as a Top Ten Bed and Breakfast in America. This honor was awarded based on the number of positive guest reviews posted on TripAdvisor.com. The Addison has also earned TripAdvisor.com Certificates of Excellence for 2010, 2011 and 2012, again based on the number of 5-star reviews by our guests.

The Addison on Amelia was selected as one of ten Best Overall Inns, 2009-2010 and has won the Best of the South Award for 2008-2009 and 2010-2011. These awards are important to us because they are based solely on the positive feedback of our guests.

About Our Accommodations

Fourteen guest rooms seamlessly blend the elegance of a bygone era with the modern amenities, services, and conveniences that today’s discriminating traveler expects.

Each guest room of our Fernandina Beach bed and breakfast has a private bath, some with over-sized jetted tubs, with thirsty Turkish cotton towels and green bath amenities. Luxurious bed linens, lots of large down-filled pillows, and comfortable mattresses provide a good night’s sleep, so that you awake refreshed and ready to enjoy your day.

All guest rooms are air conditioned, and free Wi-Fi is available throughout the property. Complimentary bicycles and beach gear, including towels, chairs, and umbrellas, are available for our guests' use while exploring our beautiful island.

Concierge Services

The Addison's concierge service allows you to make your Amelia Island getaway experience exactly what you want it to be. Your innkeepers will make reservations for any of the restaurants or activities on Amelia Island on your behalf allowing you to fully enjoy your vacation. The innkeeper's relationship with local providers means that many of the activities that they arrange for the guests can be billed directly to your room, saving you the hassle of paying cash.

Going to the beach? Need bicycles and beach towels? How about folding chairs? Just ask your innkeeper. We also have a collection of coolers and unbreakable glasses, perfect for taking your bottle of wine onto the sunset cruises offered by Amelia River Cruises.

Would you like a bouquet of seasonal flowers, roses or chocolate covered strawberries in your room for that special occasion? How about a private horse-drawn carriage ride through the Historic District with a drop-off at your favorite restaurant for dinner? Just give us a call before your arrival and we can help with all of the details.

Happy Hour at the Addison

Enjoy a complimentary glass of wine, beer or soda with light snacks every evening from 5:00-6:00 pm at the Addison’s very popular Happy Hour. This is a great way to wind down after a day of meetings or sightseeing. Join everyone on the courtyard veranda and trade restaurant and excursion recommendations with your innkeepers and fellow guests.

Activities

Take an Amelia Island vacation to escape the everyday world and to find inspiration in our peaceful, relaxed seaport community. Located just off the coast of Florida, Amelia Island is easy to reach, but hard to forget. With 13-miles of beautiful beaches, abundant native wildlife, and pristine waters, this barrier island has long been a beloved destination for visitors and residents alike.

Near the Cumberland Island National Seashore, Amelia Island is known as the “Isle of Eight Flags,” It has had an amazing, interesting, and tumultuous past, characterized by its diverse cast of Timucuan Indians, pirates, shrimpers, nobles, and confederates. Amelia Island exhibits Florida's history as few other areas can, adding to the lore and mystery brought forth on its shore by its amazing collection of residents. Early on, the community of Fernandina Beach emerged as an important seaport, a legacy that today can be seen throughout its Victorian-era architecture and charming historic district. Today, the island is home to Florida’s oldest continuously operating bar, the Palace Saloon, located within a sprawling 50-block area of homes and buildings on the National Register of Historic Places.

The Addison on Amelia Island Bed and Breakfast is located in the Historic District of Fernandina Beach, within walking distan

ce of art galleries, eclectic shops, and restaurants to suit every appetite. Amelia Island is a nature-lover's paradise with pristine white beaches, maritime forests, and treed marshlands. In the area there are four major State Parks, including Fort Clinch State Park as well as Cumberland Island National Park that offer a range of hiking and cycling paths, shelling, and bird watching. World-class golf courses, eco-tours, horseback riding, backwater, and deep sea fishing are all available to Amelia Island visitors.

Sailing

Nothing beats a day on the water with the sails full of fresh ocean breeze. Sail past historic Fort Clinch Park and Cumberland Island on your way to the open ocean. Captain Tony of Windward Sailing (904-261-9125) can take you sailing for 3-hour tours, full day tours or anything in between. Discounted lodging at the Addison can also be coordinated with Windward’s sailing school schedules. Your innkeepers can make all the arrangements for a great day out on the water.

Kayaking

Kayak Amelia (904-251-0016) guided tours are planned to go with the current and start with a short instruction on land. You will then paddle to a sandbar for a snack and swim in warm weather. Then paddle to the take out location. Along the way the guides describe the salt marsh eco-system, critters and local history.

Fishing

Amelia Island offers great fishing charters whether you are looking for the quiet rivers and tidal creeks of in-land fishing or the excitement of deep-water fishing. Fish the surrounding waters of Amelia, Cumberland and Talbot Islands with Captain Lawrence Piper (904-557-1027). Fish the oyster beds for flounder or sheepshead and experience the thrill of trout exploding on a top water lure. If the open water is calling you can go fishing with Captain Allen (904-261-9481) in his 32’ Topaz, the Wahoo II and fish for King Mackerel, Barracuda and Cobia. As Captain Allen says “Quit wishin’ and lets go fishin’!

The full range of fishing charters that are available. Fishing charters will set you up with all required fishing licenses, bait and tackle. If you want to go off on your own and explore the fishing opportunities offered by the local piers and jetties then Amelia Anglers is the shop for you. Located right downtown, just a short walk from the Addison, Amelia Anglers can provide licenses, bait and lures. They even rent rods and reels.

Historic District Tours

There are tours of the Historic District that are suitable for everyone. Walking tours can be self-guided or be led by docents from the Amelia Island Museum of History (904-261-7378). One of our guest's favorite tours is the horse drawn carriage tours through the neighborhoods of Victorian homes. These narrated tours cover a variety of subjects from architecture, history, stories of the people who have lived here and even ghost stories. Your innkeepers can make advance reservations for private carriage rides if you would like to add a little romance to your sta

EcoMotion Segway Tours

Make a breathtaking escape from the ordinary with a unique Segway tour through Amelia's beautiful state and national parks. Enjoy the thrill of riding a Segway transporter while exploring the undeveloped island habitats of Fort Clinch State Park and Fort George Island. Watch nature unfold as you ride off-road through coastal habitats and maritime forests, out to ancient dune ridges, deserted shorelines and an old-time plantation. Guides take you where the birds roost, the turtles dig and the dolphins swim. No segway experience is necessary as a pre-tour lesson is included. Reservations are required. For information or reservations please call 904-251-9477 or visit the EcoMotion website.

Eco-tours of the Marsh and Rivers

Explore the creeks and rivers of Amelia and Cumberland Island with Captain Carol of On The Water Adventures (904-206-1762). Experience the wild horses of Cumberland Island grazing on marsh grasses and closely observe dolphins, alligators, egrets, herons and other local fauna in their natural element.

Ghost Tours

Ghost tours are a popular way of learning some of the history of our island and hear about what goes bump in the night. Amelia Island Trolleys (reservations: 904-753-4486) offers a ride in an old fashioned trolley while hearing tales of local ghosts and spirits. Amelia Island Ghost Tours (reservations: 904-548-0996) tell you local legends and ghost stories as you are guided through the streets of the Historic District.

Beaches

You are never far from the pristine natural beauty of tranquil waters and white, sandy beaches. It is no wonder Amelia Island is such a popular place with discerning travelers who appreciate its charm and authenticity. Thirteen miles of clean beach await you at Amelia Island. Swimming, surfing, fishing, jogging, kite flying, and beach combing for shells and shark’s teeth are some of the many things you'll find to do on Amelia's beautiful beaches. The Addison has a full supply of beach gear for you to take with you including coolers, beach chairs, towels and umbrellas.

You can always check out our beaches with the live web-cams installed at Main Beach and at the south end of the island at www.AmeliaBeaches.com.

Horseback Riding

Everyone can enjoy riding on Amelia Island's beautiful ocean-side beaches. Kelly Sea Horse Ranch (904-491-5166) offers group trail rides along the beaches of Amelia Island State Recreation Area at the south end of the island.

Ride The Beaches offers a more private riding experience with just the two of you, your guide and, of course, the horses. Horses are selected based on the rider's experience level and they love to gallop in the surf. Reservations can be made with Debbie at 904-277-7047.

Amelia Island is a shopper's paradise, with shops ranging from the eclectic to the elegant to the sublime. The Island has antique malls, a bevy of fashionable women's boutiques, and many small owner-operated specialty shops, some of which feature designer-quality articles reflecting the Island's history and the influence of the sea on the artists and craftsmen from whose imagination they sprang.

Amelia Island is home to many artists, some of whose studios are open to the Island's guests, and whose works are available at many of the shops which line Centre Street in Fernandina Beach. Along with numerous individual galleries we have the Amelia Island Art Association Gallery representing over 150 artists. On the second Saturday of each month the galleries are open late for the Artrageous Artwalk where visitors can enjoy the various types of art that each gallery has to offer and meet the artists.

Bars and Nightlife

Several of the local watering holes offer a live music program throughout the week. Indigo Alley has an eclectic schedule that includes an open mic night, local artists and touring musicians. O’Kane’s Irish Bar has their house band playing Thursday through Saturday nights. The Green Turtle Tavern and the Dogstar Tavern both feature live music on a regular basis. Many of the restaurants will have musicians playing on their outdoor patios during the dinner hours. Walk our streets with your ears open and you’ll be certain to find some music that will get your toes tapping.

Something for Everyone

Looking for a massage or facial? Try Magna’s Aveda Salon on Center Street. Fresh fruits and vegetables or some homemade pasta? The Farmer’s Market held every Saturday morning has those items and many more. If you need to cool off after a day at the beach you can visit Fernandina’s Fantastic Fudge for some homemade ice cream or go to the Palace Saloon for a Pirate’s Punch. There truly is something for everyone in our downtown.

National and State Parks

Fort Clinch State Park is one of the most well-preserved 19th century forts in the country. Daily tours with period re-enactors depicting garrison life bring the fort to life for visitors. Sunbathing, swimming, and beach combing are popular activities at the beach. Anglers can fish from the half-mile-long pier or take advantage of excellent surf fishing. Hikers and bicyclists can enjoy a six-mile trail through the park. Self-guided nature trails provide opportunities to learn about and observe native plants and wildlife.

Cumberland Island National Park

Cumberland Island offers a chance to get away from modern life for a day, step back in time and view the Carnegie family mansions where the rich spent their summers. Wander through the Plum Orchard mansion with its indoor pool and squash court and view the ruins of Dungeness. You can access Cumberland Island by driving to St. Mary’s, Georgia and taking the Parks Service ferry to the Island. Your innkeepers will provide an early breakfast so that you can catch the first ferry and make a full day of it. Full information can be found at www.nps.gov/cuis.

Little Talbot Island State Park

With more than five miles of beautiful, white sandy beaches, Little Talbot Island is one of the few remaining undeveloped barrier islands in Northeast Florida. Maritime forests, desert-like dunes and undisturbed salt marshes on the western side of the island allow for hours of nature study and relaxation. The diverse habitats in the park host a wealth of wildlife for viewing, including river otters, marsh rabbits, bobcats and a variety of native and migratory birds. Surrounding surf and tidal streams present excellent fishing for bluefish, striped bass, redfish, flounder, mullet and sheepshead. Other popular park activities include hiking, kayaking, beachcombing, surfing and picnicking.

Big Talbot Island State Park

Located on one of Northeast Florida's unique sea islands, Big Talbot Island State Park is primarily a natural preserve providing a premier location for nature study, bird-watching, and photography. Explore the diverse island habitats by hiking Blackrock Trail to the shoreline, Big Pine Trail to the marsh or Old Kings Highway and Jones Cut through the maritime forest. Visit The Bluffs and enjoy a picnic at one of the pavilions overlooking the water or take a quick stroll down the trail to Boneyard Beach. The unique beach is famous for the salt-washed skeletons of live oak and cedar trees that once grew near the shore.

Amelia Island State Park

Amelia Island State Park protects over 200 acres of unspoiled wilderness along the southern tip of Amelia Island. Beautiful beaches, salt marshes and coastal maritime forests provide visitors a glimpse of the original Florida. Amelia Island State Park is one of the few locations on the east coast that offers horseback riding on the beach and riding tours along the shoreline. Fishermen can surf fish along the shoreline or they can wet their lines from the mile-long George Crady Bridge Fishing Pier which spans Nassau Sound. Visitors can stroll along the beach, look for shells or watch the wildlife.

Fort George Island Cultural State Park

Native Americans feasted here, colonists built a fort, and the Smart Set of the 1920s came for vacations. A site of human occupation for over 5,000 years, Fort George Island was named for a 1736 fort built to defend the southern flank of Georgia when it was a colony. Today´s visitors come for boating, fishing, off-road bicycling, and hiking. A key attraction is the restored Ribault Club. Once an exclusive resort, it is now a visitor center with meeting space available for special functions. Behind the club, small boats, canoes, and kayaks can be launched on the tidal waters.

Kingsley Plantation, Fort George Island

The Kingsley Plantation, administered by the National Park Service, is located on Fort George Island and includes the plantation house, a kitchen house, a barn, and the ruins of 25 of the original slave cabins. Explore life on a nineteenth-century Florida plantation. Discover the stories of the life and times of Zephaniah Kingsley, his African wife Anna, and the hundreds of men, women, and children who were enslaved at the plantation. (904) 251-2320.

Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge

The Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge is an easy day trip from the Addison. You can leave after breakfast, enjoy the Refuge and still make it back for Happy Hour. The refuge is vast, with almost 402,000 acres (that’s roughly 300,000 football fields in size) of cypress forest, marsh, lakes and islands. Filled with alligators, Sandhill cranes, red-cockaded woodpeckers and over 400 other species of animals, it is a wonderful place to learn about the wildlife of Georgia and Florida. The longleaf pine, cypress, carnivorous sundews and other plants make up different habitats from dry upland forests to open wetlands. Golden sunsets and thundering storms allows one to experience this magical place at its most beautiful and most awe-inspiring moments.

There are many ways to explore the Okefenokee. Guided boat tours take visitors through cypress forests, historic canals and open prairies. Water trails and platforms allow people to canoe for the day or stay overnight deep within the 354,000 acre wilderness. Winding boardwalks and trails lead through unique habitats to observation towers and viewing platforms. Opportunities for nature photography, hunting and fishing are readily available.

Golf

Amelia River Golf Club (904-491-8500) is a public course with 18 challenging holes where ball control and accuracy are key to a great round. The par 72 layout gives the golfer a natural low-country feel as the course winds through native water oaks, palmettos and southern pines without a single house or condo to spoil nature’s view. The photo shown at the top of the page is their 17th hole. www.GolfAmeliaRiver.com

Fernandina Beach Public Golf Course (904-277-7370) has 27 holes of golf. It’s proximity to Jacksonville and the beach make Fernandina Beach Golf Club one of the most popular municipal golf facilities in the area. The sub-tropical climate and warm Florida sun make the impeccable greens that much more enjoyable and enticing. The generous fairways and native foliage decorate the smooth green of each course. Each course measures well over 3000 yards from the championship tees, presenting a one-of-a-kind challenge.